Google MapsClinton Township police fire upon a man who escaped from their custody, leading them on an approximately 20-mile chase through rush-hour traffic. The incident terminated near Exit 30 on I-287, near Bernards Township

BERNARDS — A police officer fired on a Perth Amboy man who had stolen a patrol car and led police on a high-speed pursuit for more than 20 miles, officials said tonight.

David Rosa, 25, was driving an Acura sedan with three others when he was stopped for speeding by Clinton Township police on eastbound I-78 at about 4:30 p.m., said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III.

After it was discovered Rosa gave a fake name to police, he was arrested, Kearns said.

While police were running his name through police records, Rosa, who was handcuffed, got into the driver's seat of one of the two patrol cars on scene and drove off, said Kearns.

The circumstances of how Rosa accomplished this is under investigation, he said.

Clinton Township police pursued the car, reaching speeds of at least 100 mph on I-78 and I-287 as the cars threaded their way through rush-hour traffic, according to State Police.

The chase ended on I-287 when Rosa crashed on a grassy median, Kearns said.

As Rosa attempted to move the vehicle again, Clinton Township Patrol Officer John Tiger "discharged his service weapon disabling the vehicle", said township Police Director Robert A. Manney in a statement.

Tiger then overcame Rosa and arrested him, Manney said.

Both Rosa and the officer suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

The number of shots fired is being investigated, Kearns said.

Rosa is charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, Auto Theft and several other charges in connection with the incident, Kearns said.

He is also wanted in Middlesex County for a number of charges including Aggravated Assault, Kearns said.